If you are interested in downloading any posted album from 2015, contact by email: prolasdorock@yahoo.com or let your email in comments (this will not be visible publicly) and the link will be sent as soon as possible!

Obscure Pearl coming from Kenya, the Charles A. Chepkwony Kolu Band (also called Oriango & Kipchamba) was a group led by guitarist Charles A. Chepkwony in Kericho region in the mid-70s. They recorded a single and rare cassette, yet with unknown year and other musicians.Magtalena consists of 10 short tracks (around 4 or 5 minutes) mixing typical local rhythms with funk and psych rock (Afrobeat). It is most of the time instrumental, predominantly the guitar, that even simple, makes an interesting work accompanied by percussion and vocals in local language. The recording quality is a low point, really weak. Nevertheless, here is a great and rare record for afrobeat and fusion of African rhythms fans.

Tirogo is one of these Nigerian psych-rock bands from a same level as the other bands which had been reissued before. The songs and song tunes sung in English are somewhat simple, a foundation, one of them is sung in not such a perfect way, the whole musical element completely compensates for this and completes this to an attractive psychedelic rock format. There's use of a little bit of keyboards to fill up the arrangements with another layer, it is the groovy electric guitar solos which are given a time and which are given a trippy freedom which gives this something special in combination with the attractive Afro-inspired rock song rhythms. Just here and there is a funky touch, without ever being dominant. A decent African rock record within the psychedelic territory.
Text: Psychedelic Music

Pearl coming from Guinea, West Africa. The 22 Band (also known as 22 Novembre Band and 22 Band-Kankan) was formed in the city of Kankan in 1971 and had great local popularity, becoming one of the "official Orchestras" of the country at the time. They released 3 albums and other singles until 1980, yet the group continued performing in the region until the 90s. The guitar player was Kante Manfila, but other members are unknown.Post here the debut "Dans le vent", 1976. The album consists of 6 tracks, most long that bring typical African sound (Mande Music), with influences of Western, especially funk, jazz and psychedelia. It is predominantly instrumental, with enviable percussion work accompanied by guitar, metals solos and captivating vocals in local language. Maybe "Deny" is the best moment, but the album is all good. Great record for afrobeat and funk / jazz fans, recommended!

The Gambia has proven to be one of the most interesting and surprising countries when it comes to African music and rock of the 70s and 80s, today's post is one such example. The band Ifang Bondi ("Be yourself") appeared in 1973 in the capital Banjul, with former members of Super Eagles, known local group that disbanded a few years before. Released 6 albums and still make sporadic meetings with new members.Post here the 1976 debut, Saraba (still entitled The African Mandingue Sounds) consists of 7 tracks. The sound mix different influences, through African rhythms, psychedelic rock, funk and space jams. This mix is clear in the rich instrumental with psychedelic guitar, drums, organ, saxophone, flute and keyboards solos alternating with local instruments as sabar, sekereba and percussion in general. The lyrics are all in the local language, making even more unique music. As the tracks, there are rare weak moments, but the main highlight is the two longer. Excellent pearl for African psychedelic rock and afrobeat fans.

Obscure pearl coming from Morocco. Mahmoud Guinia (also know as Guinea or Kania), was born in 1951 in the city of Essaouira, a member of a local musicians family. Mahmoud is now one of the biggest names in Gnawa, playing with Western musicians and has a long discography, although little is official.This is the case of this record, entitled Jilali Boualem and recorded on cassete tape in an unknown year and recently recovered by music sites and considered the "Gnawa most psychedelic tape of all time". It is divided into 10 tracks that bring nothing of rock, just a long spiritual journey by Gnawa music, primarily rhythmic, with typical instruments as guembri, drums, tablas, didgeridoo, among others, and lead vocal of Guinia, often interspersed with choir, Arabic lyrics with few English or ancient languages phrases. Recommended to African rhythms lovers, especially the Gnaoua.

Pearl formed in Algeria, in the Kabylia region in 1975, after drummer Samir Chabane and guitar player Madi Mahdi left the group Les Abranis. The band Syphax has launched an only and rare LP in France in 1978 and disappeared from the map, with not much information.The self-titled album is divided into 9 tracks, most short and mixing jazz funk, progressive rock and light pop/ folk doses, remembering Abranis and Les Frères Megri. Melodic and more intense moments take turns with good guitar, keyboards, saxophone and drums solos. The vocals are all in Arabic and several choirs. Main emphasis on the "B-side" with "Antasene", "Kahina" and of course "Ghourak In'Aanna," nearly 10 minutes.Nothing essential, but a good pearl for prog fans and late fusion of the 70s.

"Completely devoid of any digital trickery, A Criminal Record is very much a product of its time, with a laid-back vibe and ramshackle sound created by a makeshift band. It is also one of the most unique and fantastic undiscovered albums from the most fertile era of rock ‘n’ roll. According to the liner notes to the 1977 full-length EP released by Hataklit (prior to that, the songs had been released as individual singles), the bulk of the album was created while Kraus sat alone in his cell, humming melodies to himself.A few days later Kraus was granted a 48-hour leave from his jail cell, and he went straight to a recording studio, where he had gathered some of Israel’s best rock and jazz musicians, including Haim Romano, the guitarist from the country’s first psychedelic band, The Churchills. The recording was completed in two hours. Kraus was released from prison on bail a week later, and the album, containing six freewheeling psych-folk tunes seemingly influenced by Bob Dylan and American garage rock, was released in May of 1971 to very little public notice."
Text: Tablet (Jason Diamond)

segunda-feira, 16 de fevereiro de 2015

Pérola formada em Teerã, capital do Irã no fim dos anos 60. O grupo Black Cats lançou um único compacto na Turquia em 1974, há também um edição local, sem mais informações. Seus membros são desconhecidos e provavelmente a banda se desfez após a Revolução de 1979. O single traz as faixas "A Chili Pum", versão de uma conhecida versão tradicional e "Marcella", ótimo cover (instrumental) do funk "The Chicken", de James Brown, com boa passagem de metais, baixo e bateria.
Pearl formed in Tehran, capital of Iran, in the late 60. The Black Cats released only one single in Turkey in 1974, there is also a local issue without more information. Its members are unknown and probably the band disbanded after Revolution in 1979. The single brings the tracks "The Chili Pum" version of a well-known traditional song and "Marcella", great cover of James Brown's "The Chicken", all instrumental with good passage of metals, bass and drums.
Músicos: ?

The duo formed by the well known musician, teacher and writer of Bangladeshi origin Debabrata Chaudhuri and Indian Faiyaz Khan. The project releaed an only and rare disc in 1968, recorded in London at the height of popularity of Indian music in the West.The album "Meditations in Indian Sitar Music" is divided into 2 long instrumental songs ("ragas") with more than 20 minutes each, bringing classical Indian music only, as the title says, played hypnotic and trippy way, with sitar and tabla only. Little more I can say about this gem, highly recommend to Indian music and raga rock fans.

Pearl coming from Pakistan, The Aay Jays was active in the early 70s and released a single EP in 1973. Some of these songs are present in several recent compilations of rock in the region, as Pakistan Folk and Pop Instrumentals 1966 - 1976. Unfortunately information about the group is limited and its members are unknown.The eponymous EP brings 4 short instrumental songs that combine influences of western rock, through psychedelic, garage and beat styles with local rhythms. The sound is basic and even primitive, dominated by organ and guitar solos, typical of the 60s, taking turns with the percussion. Although limited, this is a very interesting gem for fans of obscure/ uncommon places.

Obscure band coming from Indonesia. There are almost no information about the God Spell and its members, recorded just this promotional disc in 1972 for a local radio station, never re-launched and absurdly rare.The LP Jalan Iblis (something like The Devil's Path) is divided into eight short tracks, totaling less than half an hour. The sound is simple, influenced by local bands like Giant Step, God bless and AKA, with its hard, prog rock influences and several commercial ballads, which end up weakening the album. Lyrics are all in the local language, female and male vocals and good guitar and keyboard passages mark the sound. Emphasis on "Jalan Iblis", "Discothique" and "Cinta Dalam Syair".Nothing essential, with some good times to hard rock and prog fans.

There have been already a few reissues of Ngozi Family albums. This reissue is to say the least, of the same quality as the other ones, if not, at least in a very direct way, like an acid garage concept with an effective rawness, with simple direct energy songs that mostly are about directions, judgments and experiences of girls. The energy is expressive and emotionally direct. The drumming is a great variation of Afro-rock, while there are several fuzz solos, sometimes combined with bass that are worthy of note, making the group balance between a directing-to-the-public song-driven rock band and a power trio.
Text: Psychedelic Music

The rawest Ngozi album. Really gritty recording, fuzz guitar that is mixed way too loud at times (which is a great thing), crunchy lo-fi drums and no filler. Lo Fi psychedelic garage with a snotty punk-like attitude. The Ngozi Family does one thing on this album, but damn do they do it well. Ngozi’s most consistent effort, and to my ears one of the grails of the Zambian rock era.
Text: Strawberry Rain

By request, an obscure band coming from Philippines. The sextet Abrakadabra was probably formed in the late 70 by brothers Alex and Manuel "Jun" Mallilin, other members are unknown (information about the drummer Michael and guitarist Vincent Both Gella are not accurate). They released one album in 1978 and had some local success until the early 80s, with songs like Bote-Dyaryo. In 2012 it was re-released on CD, but only locally and with a bonus.The self-titled is divided into 11 short tracks, bringing a sound heavily influenced by bands of Pinoy rock, late '70s hard, a little glam (as seen on the cover) and commercial music at various times. The instrument is simple and straightforward, with nervous guitar and good drums/bass work; the lyrics are all in the local language (expecting "Sweet Love") and talks about social and day by day issues, according to some sites.Pearl recommended for fans of hard and especially pinoy rock.

Pearl coming from Japan, Sons of Sun was a project of known keyboardist Hiro Yanagida (Apryl Fool, Brain Food, Love Live Life, among others and solo career). Also featured drummer Takashi Matsumoto and other unknown musicians. Resulted in an obscure album in 1972, not reissued yet.The album Kaizoku Kid In Boken (The Pirate Kid's Adventure) is divided into 11 short tracks, providing a much quieter sound than the other Yanagida's works before. It's basically folk, with light progressive and psychedelic doses, reminding Happy End at various times, with cheerful choirs and Japanese lyrics. In the instrumental good passages of piano, percussion, flute and acoustic guitar dominate. Nothing essential, but a beautiful record for folk fans and also prog.

Pearl formed in Wellington, capital of New Zealand in 1970 by friends Phil Pritchard and George Limbidis. The group Highway had a short period of activities, still had great local success at the time, playing at festivals, universities and clubs. They released only one album in 1971 and fell apart in the next year.The self-titled consists of 7 tracks of classic 70s rock'n'roll, with influences of boogie, country and blues rock. In the instrumental, nothing new, only the competent trio drums, bass and guitars, with several time changes. The powerful Sontgen's vocals also deserves attention. As the tracks, the best are the longest and "Smashing". Nothing essential, but a good gem to boogie and country rock fans.

Pearl coming from Australia, formed in Melbourne by vocalist and guitarist Terry Dean and drummer John Creech, former Mixtures. The group Bluestone released two albums, the first in 1974 and second only in 1982, already with new members. As the last one had not the same sales success, the band disbanded soon after, in 84. Several members played solo or with other local groups; had a quick meeting in 2011.Post here the eponymous debut, composed of 10 short tracks that mix country rock and influences of the West Coast rock bands like The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers and The Eagles. Nothing different in instrumental, dominated by guitar, but with melodic moments (acoustic guitar and percussion) and other "rural" with banjo and violin. Emphasis to the "Side A" with "Ride On", "Home Is not Home", "Country Fair" and "Stage Coach". Recommended for country and west coast rock fans.

The band Velvet Underground (do not confuse with the American one) was formed in Newcastle, Australia in 1967. They were active until 1972 and has only released a single in 1970. After several lineup changes, presence of the young guitarist Malcolm Young between 1971-72, the group disbanded and several members joined the Ted Mulry Gang.The single brings two good covers of Jefferson Airplane ("Somebody to Love") and Love ("She Comes in Colours"). The influences of psychedelic / hippies of the West Coast bands are evident, with strong guitar and organ solos and trippy moments. Nothing special, but interesting pearl to 60s psychedelic rock fans.

Pearl formed in Toronto, Canada, active in the early 70. The group Alabama (do not confuse with the known American band of the same name) was formed by drummer Len Sembaluk (former Brutus) and Rick Knight, released only a rare album and one single, both in 1973.The LP "Close to Home" is divided into 11 short tracks typical of country rock bands of the time, with light influences of psychedelic, southern rock, folk and even bluegrass. The sound brings a simple, but competent instrumental, driven by guitar and beautiful moments of acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica and flute. Rick's vocals are also featured, accompanied by choirs in almost every song. Emphasis on "People And Places," "Highway Driving" and "Quicksand". Great record for country rock fans.

Pearl formed in Quebec, Canada, in the late 60. The group Guillotine consisted of 9 members, including keyboardist Pierre Nadeau and the brothers Paul, Jean and André Morin. Unfortunately the band was short-lived and disbanded at the beginning of the 70s, releasing only one album in 1971, recorded in London and distributed in the US.The self-titled album is divided into nine short tracks, except the last one and bring a very eclectic mix, ranging from blues to jazz funk, through prog rock, psychedelic, soul and folk, melodic most of the time. Interesting arrangements, with good passages of organ, piano, guitar and metals, accompanying the powerful vocal of Carol Breval, often compared to Janis Joplin. The lyrics are all in English, emphasis on "Hands of Children", "Those Years Have Gone By", "Anniversary" and "I Can not Believe It".Interesting work to ProgQuebec and jazz / blues rock fans, listen and draw your conclusions.

If you liked some post, or the blog in general, let your praise. It's good to know that the blog is being recognized!

If you know a rare band or album send your suggestion.

Reviews on posts, information and download link are also accepted.

The blog has no profit, the goal is just to promote unknown artists and not to offend or damage any band, artist or Record label. If someone feels offended (or injured) just send me a comment or email and it will be removed.

* Links for Download: From 2015, all links will be sent by e-mail (prolasdorock@yahoo.com)